Aspen Hall Inn, Martinsburg

We have stayed at a lot of B&Bs and have had some wonderful experiences: our stay at Aspen Hall was a big disappointment. My overall impression was that the "inn keepers" don't really want to be in the business of running a B&B. We were told we needed to arrive before 8 pm (we've never encountered this) and were greeted upon arrival with a list of things we couldn't or shouldn't do. We were told that we could bring our child (we specifically asked). A follow up e-mail from the Inn included the statement "no pets and no children." I promptly wrote and said, if this is the case, I need to know now (and reminded them that I had said it we would be a party of three with a small child upon making the reservation). We were informed that it was just fine to bring a child. But upon arrival, we were told that this was the first child to stay at the Inn and were made uncomfortable because of the VISIBLE and verbal discomfort of the inn keepers. They were uncomfortable with our child climbing the stairs, we were told that the coverlet on our bed was white and we were to make sure that nothing happened to it, our child shouldn't be allowed to cry, etc., . . . This was not the nice welcome I was hoping for! This was a birthday trip for my husband so doubly not what I wanted! Then we learn that their "extended continental breakfast" includes nothing hot. It is the sort of fare you expect at a corporate hotel of less than stellar quality: tiny muffins and scones that are purchased at the local grocery or costco, store brand yogurt, fresh fruit and coffee. Good coffee, though overly strong. Fresh fruit was fine. Muffins & scones terrible. We don't do well with such carb-heavy, sweet-heavy breakfasts--crabby grumps, all of us. They could boil eggs for us. . . we declined and went to the waffle house. As we were leaving our child remarked on the smell of tasty breakfsat food wafting through the house. . . but none for us. O, and the hot water runs out half-way through the shower (if you get any hot water at all). They do have little notes in the rooms asking guests to conserve water, which I completely respect. I limit my own shower length. However, I don't want to run out of hot water half way through my shower. The last morning we were there the hot water was gone before I even got a shower. At $140 a night, I don't think this is reasonable, or hospitable. We had a wonderful weekend because we had a great time having adventures out and about with each other. I have to say that our stay at the Aspen Inn was decidedly the low point. I would NOT go back to this Inn. I would NOT recommend it to anyone I know (and like). Lovely house, interesting history, but not a great place to stay if you expect great service, a wonderful hot breakfast, a soft bed, and a hot shower, o, and a room that doesn't smell like mold.